Spinal cord: Difference between revisions
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The '''spinal cord''' is part of the central [[nervous system]] with the [[brain]]. It carries [[neuron|neural]] signals from the brain and sensory information from the rest of the body, and is also responsible for certain [[reflex]]es. As it so vital to control of the body, it is enclosed by part of the [[vertebral column]] so that the [[vertebra|vertebrae]], or [[bone]]s of the spine, protect it. The spinal cord is about 18 inches (46cm) long on average in [[human]] | The '''spinal cord''' is part of the central [[nervous system]] with the [[brain]]. It carries [[neuron|neural]] signals from the brain and sensory information from the rest of the body, and is also responsible for certain [[reflex]]es. As it so vital to control of the body, it is enclosed by part of the [[vertebral column]] so that the [[vertebra|vertebrae]], or [[bone]]s of the spine, protect it. The spinal cord is about 18 inches (46cm) long on average in [[human]] adults, and extends from the base of the brain down to the waist area. Spinal nerves branch off down the cord, connecting the [[motor neuron]]s and other spinal tissue to other parts of the body.<ref>''National Spinal Cord Injury Association'': '[http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-center/askus/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=1383 The spinal cord]'.</ref> | ||
The spinal cord can be affected by various [[disease]]s, such as: [[multiple sclerosis]], which is an [[autoimmune]] disorder; [[spina bifida]], in which the vertebral bones do not properly enclose it; and [[spinal muscular atrophy]], in which the motor neurons deteriorate. | The spinal cord can be affected by various [[disease]]s, such as: [[multiple sclerosis]], which is an [[autoimmune]] disorder; [[spina bifida]], in which the vertebral bones do not properly enclose it; and [[spinal muscular atrophy]], in which the motor neurons deteriorate. | ||
Revision as of 12:21, 7 August 2024
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system with the brain. It carries neural signals from the brain and sensory information from the rest of the body, and is also responsible for certain reflexes. As it so vital to control of the body, it is enclosed by part of the vertebral column so that the vertebrae, or bones of the spine, protect it. The spinal cord is about 18 inches (46cm) long on average in human adults, and extends from the base of the brain down to the waist area. Spinal nerves branch off down the cord, connecting the motor neurons and other spinal tissue to other parts of the body.[1]
The spinal cord can be affected by various diseases, such as: multiple sclerosis, which is an autoimmune disorder; spina bifida, in which the vertebral bones do not properly enclose it; and spinal muscular atrophy, in which the motor neurons deteriorate.
Footnotes
- ↑ National Spinal Cord Injury Association: 'The spinal cord'.